Cranberries

Cranberries

Cranberries grow in northern bogs on low-lying vines, just above water. These bright red gems are native to North America and at one time whalers and mariners carried cranberries on their ships to prevent scurvy. With their healthful nutrients and phytochemicals, along with the rich color and flavor, cranberries make a great addition to any meal, not just at Thanksgiving.

The Cancer Research

One serving of cranberries provides at least 10 percent of the recommended daily amount of fiber. Dietary fiber can act in several ways to lower cancer risk, including helping with weight control. (Excess body fat increases the risk of 12 cancer types, and dietary fiber can increase the feeling of fullness.)

Current Evidence: AICR/WCRF Expert Report and its Updates (CUP)

Cranberries are fruits high in dietary fiber. After a systematic review of the global scientific literature, AICR/WCRF analyzed how these factors affect the risk of developing cancer. This comprehensive review of decades of research concluded that there is strong – probable - evidence that:

- a diet high in fruits along with non-starchy vegetables DECREASE the risk of lips, mouth, tongue and other aerodigestive cancers

Evidence categorized as "probable" means there is strong research showing a causal relationship to cancer – either decreasing or increasing the risk. The research must include quality human studies that meet specific criteria and biological explanations for the findings. A probable judgement is strong enough to justify recommendations.

Open Areas of Investigation: Laboratory Research

In cell studies, cranberry extract and anthocyanins decrease free radical damage to DNA that can lead to cancer. They decrease growth and stimulate mouth, breast, colon, prostate, lung and other cancer cells to self-destruct. Cranberries' proanthocyanidins and ursolic acid also decrease growth and increase self-destruction of several types of cancer in cell studies. Research suggests that these compounds seem to work synergistically, providing more protection together rather than individually.

In limited animal studies, those fed cranberries developed fewer and smaller cancers of several types when compared to animals not consuming cranberries. Cranberries also reduced inflammation and cancers' ability to invade other tissues. (Chronic inflammation increases the risk of several types of cancer.)

Open Areas of Investigation: Human Studies

Human studies have generally focused on the general category of fruits, with a handful of studies investigating cranberry juice.

When comparing people with and without cancer, studies show that people who eat more fruit have a lower risk of several cancers, though often with significant individual variation. In a large population survey, people with diets higher in total flavonoids and anthocyanidins had lower levels of an indicator of inflammation.

A few small, short-term studies show that drinking cranberry juice every day increases people's blood levels of vitamin C. But whether that increases people's overall antioxidant activity or helps protect against DNA damage is not clear. Research is ongoing.

Mix dried cranberries with nuts and other dried fruit to make trail mix.

Add cranberries to baked apples or apple crisp.

Cranberry Sweet Potato Bread

Canola oil spray

2 large eggs

3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

1/3 cup canola oil

1 cup mashed sweet potatoes, fresh baked or canned without syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. orange extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. allspice or mace (optional)

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup chopped dried unsweetened cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a standard loaf pan (8x4 or 9x5-inch) with canola spray and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, sweet potatoes and extracts until well combined.

In a large bowl, sift together flour, spices, salt and baking soda. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the wet sweet potato mixture. Mix until just moistened; do not over-mix or beat batter until smooth. Gently stir in cranberries.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until tester comes out clean. Remove bread from oven and allow to cool 10 minutes on rack. Remove from pan and set back on rack to completely cool. Seal bread tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Tightly wrapped in both, it can be refrigerated up to one week or frozen up to one month.

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get asked.

Q:

Which fruits and vegetables should I be eating?

A:

Eat as many different vegetables and fruits as you can. Variety is the key to obtaining the many protective phytochemicals. Each vegetable and fruit has its own profile of health-promoting substances.

The phytochemicals found in cantaloupe are different from those in broccoli or leeks or cherries. Try to include a lot of colors on your plate. Aim to eat some bright red, green, orange, blue, purple and yellow vegetables and fruits each day.

Q:

Should I buy organic foods whenever possible?

A:

There are many reasons to eat organic foods, but currently, there is no convincing evidence that shows a difference between organic and conventionally grown foods related to cancer risk. Studies show pesticide residues on conventionally grown foods are almost always within safety tolerance limits.

If you are concerned about pesticide residues and can afford to spend more, organic produce may be a choice for you. Eating generous servings of a large variety of veggies and fruits - whether organic or not will benefit your health. The advantages of including more vegetables and fruits in your diet outweigh the potential risks from pesticides.

Q:

Can grilled meats really cause cancer?

A:

Lab studies show that exposing meats to direct flame, smoke and intense heat (like when you grill or broil) can cause the formation of carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Cooking methods that involve less heat, such as microwaving, baking, steaming and poaching, do not promote the formation of these substances.

Several strategies you can use to cut carcinogen formation on meat include marinating, flipping frequently, removing excess fat from meat before cooking, and microwaving for part of the cooking time. So for delicious and healthful options, try grilling vegetables, veggie burgers and fruit slices and cut down on meat, fish and poultry.

The American Institute for Cancer Research is a nonprofit charity designated as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 by the Internal Revenue Service. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. EIN 52-1238026.